Brad Wagnon is a lifelong resident of the Gideon Community and an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation. He is a graduate of Tahlequah High School and Northeastern State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and Native American Studies. Brad taught Cherokee History, Culture and Language at Tahlequah High School for 10 years and has worked for Cherokee Nation Community and Cultural Outreach since June 2015. Brad’s position as Community Outreach Coordinator put him in contact with Cherokee citizens all over the United States. Brad is a retired Lieutenant on the Gideon Fire Department, where he began as a firefighter in 2005. He is the author of three children’s books, “How the World Was Made: A Cherokee Story” “The Land of the Great Turtles” and “The First Fire: A Cherokee Story”. These books are based on traditional Cherokee stories. Brad also has three Syllabary titles, The Cherokee Syllabary: An Illustrated Guide to the Cherokee Language, Baby’s First Cherokee, and Baby’s’ First Cherokee Numbers (arriving February 2026).
He and his wife Tanya live on his family’s land in Gideon. His favorite thing to do is spend time with his family.
Invite Brad to your event, school, and program. Contact him at bradwagnoncco@gmail.com to schedule.
Written By: Brad Wagnon
Illustrated By: Beth Anderson
A beautiful board book that introduces toddlers and young children to the Cherokee Syllabary. The thirteen colorful illustrations draw children into the picture on every page. The object in each picture is named in Cherokee, along with the Cherokee pronunciation of the word, and the name of the object in English.
ISBN: 9781570674273
Author: Brad Wagnon
Illustrator: Beth Anderson
Page Count: 16
Width: 8
Height: 8
Publication Year: 2025
Publisher: 7th Generation
E-book available here or through your favorite platform.
Written By: Brad Wagnon
Illustrated By: Beth Anderson
The Cherokee Syllabary: An Illustrated Key to the Cherokee Language offers parents and educators a tool to introduce Cherokee children, as well as adults, to the syllabary of their native language. The introduction and pronunciation key aid in understanding the beautifully illustrated syllabary characters. The book is a valuable educational resource for schools and libraries that adds multicultural diversity to their classrooms and collections. For all ages.
Accompanying each unique illustration of a syllabary character is a Cherokee word that contains the character, the Cherokee pronunciation of each syllabary character in the word, and the word in English. Along the bottom of the page is a row of syllabary characters with the pronunciation of each.
The concept for the illustrations was influenced by medieval illuminated manuscripts that will enchant readers. The intent is to allow people of all ages to appreciate and celebrate the historic Cherokee language that was first introduced in written form by Sequoyah in 1891.
ISBN: 9781570674228
Author: Brad Wagnon
Illustrator: Beth Anderson
Page Count: 40
Width: 8.50
Height: 8.50
Publication Year: 2024
Publisher: 7th Generation
E-book available here or through your favorite platform.
Author: Brad Wagnon
Illustrator: Alex Stephenson
"A heartwarming tale of kinship and community."
No matter how small or insignificant you think you are; you can accomplish great things.
The First Fire, A Cherokee Story happens in a time when animals could do many of the things that people do: The Creator gave the animals the world to live on, but they were without a source for heat at night. Great Thunder and his sons saw the plight of the animals —- so he sent lightning down to strike a tree. The tree burst into flames; but the tree was on an island. Many animals tried to bring the fire over the water to the shore–- but they were all unsuccessful. One small creature, the Water Spider then volunteered. Curious, the animals said to her “We know you could get there safely, but how would you bring the fire back without getting burned?”
Water Spider was successful and to this day, the water spider is revered in Cherokee culture.
ISBN: 9781939053275
Author: Brad Wagnon
Illustrator: Alex Stephenson
Page Count: 40
Width: 8.50
Height: 8.50
Publication Year: 2020
Publisher: 7th Generation
E-book available here or through your favorite platform.
Brad Wagnon
Illustrator: Alex Stephenson
Everyone thought Water Beetle was too small to make a difference. But she sure showed them otherwise!
How the World Was Made is a traditional Cherokee creation story. It takes place during a time when animals did many of the things that people can do. When the earth was young, the animals lived on a rock above it, and the earth was covered with water. The animals needed more room, but where could they find it?
This book retells the delightful Cherokee tale of how the earth was created, while teaching the valuable lesson that even the smallest creature can make a big difference. Written in both Cherokee and English so readers can become acquainted with the Cherokee syllabary and language.
ISBN: 9781939053374
Author: Brad Wagnon
Illustrator: Alex Stephenson
Fry Reading Level: 2
Page Count: 40
Width: 8.50
Height: 8.50
Publication Year: 2021
Publisher: 7th Generation
E-book available here or through your favorite platform.
Brad Wagnon
Illustrator: Alex Stephenson
A Cherokee origin story written in both Cherokee and English.
The Creator gave the Cherokee people a beautiful island with everything they could ever need. It came with only one rule: They must take care of the land and the animals living there. But what happens when the children decide to play with the turtles instead of tending to their responsibilities?
The Land of the Great Turtles is a Cherokee origin story that introduces the reader to Cherokee beliefs and values. Written in both Cherokee and English, the book will familiarize readers with the Cherokee syllabary and language.
ISBN: 9781939053350
Author: Brad Wagnon
Illustrator: Alex Stephenson
Fry Reading Level: 2
Page Count: 40
Width: 8.50
Height: 8.50
Publication Year: 2021
Publisher: 7th Generation
E-book available here or through your favorite platform.
Written By: Brad Wagnon
Illustrated By: Beth Anderson
A delightful board book that introduces toddlers and young children to the Cherokee Syllabary. The ten colorful illustrations depict items of Cherokee culture. The number in each picture is shown in Cherokee and English, along with the Cherokee pronunciation of the number.
ISBN: 9781570674303
Author: Brad Wagnon
Illustrator: Beth Anderson
Page Count: 24
Width: 8
Height: 8
Publication Year: 2026
Publisher: 7th Generation
Buy the first title in the series here. Baby’s First Cherokee.
E-book available here or through your favorite platform.